Riding a hot air balloon above the Gold Coast hinterlands and the Scenic Rim is, hands down, one of the coolest ways to soak up Australia’s stunning scenery. I’ve been lucky enough to do this twice, and let me tell you, each flight has been absolutely magical. Picture, standing in a quiet field, watching the balloon come to life as it inflates, and then, with a gentle lift-off, you’re floating high above the mountains, taking in views that’ll make your jaw drop.

The whole experience is incredibly smooth and relaxed, thanks to the super friendly crew who make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. And yes, waking up before dawn is totally worth it for the experience plus most of these tours include a delicious breakfast at the end. It’s the perfect way to cap off the adventure, enjoying tasty food while you chat about the breathtaking scenery you’ve just seen.

Prices for these tours range from about $300 to $400, so it’s definitely a splurge, but flying in a basket as the sun rises is totally worth breaking the budget. Trust me, the experience of drifting above the Gold Coast hinterlands with those breathtaking views is something you'll remember forever.